Persson's (2012a) target article calls for a cultural sensitive research paradigm in the science of giftedness. It charts the potential threats to research validity affected by cultural bias having implications on study and practice in gifted education. The eight recommendations heading under: (1) mindset and habits; (2) research skills; and (3)…

This commentary lends a global practitioner perspective on the utility of this volume to the efforts of mentors and mentees and mentoring program developers. Dave Marshall and Karen Shaver, of Big Brothers Big Sisters New Zealand and Canada, respectively, offer keen insights into the value of creating a shared language for discussing mentoring…

Korean American adolescents may find themselves caught between traditional Korean culture and demands for Americanization. Subsequently this population of students and parents may have very distinct needs in our schools as they are a growing population of students. This commentary discusses important considerations for teachers and administrators…

A composite case example illustrates cultural misunderstandings likely to be experienced by refugee minors and their foster families. (Author/MP)

The author discusses reasons why high ability, culturally disadvantaged adolescents who are given appropriate education help themselves, their present and future families, and their society. Note: An address by Dr. Moshe Smilansky at Norfolk State College on Israel's Disadvantaged Gifted Youth (February 27, 1978). (CL)

Examines recent young adult fiction that models communities where cultural differences are equally valued and which can be said to foster multicultural perspectives. Describes the novels of Francesca Lia Block as exemplary of such initiatives. (HB)

Ideology hinders compromise between proponents of character education and multicultural education. The future lies in seeking common ground, which will not be the same for all communities, must meet constitutional requirements, and will not please all stakeholders. (SK)

Suggests adolescent second language speakers of English can better understand the second culture as embedded in the language, and feel more comfortable with expressing their sense of self through language, by discussing language and its use in the contexts of literary texts. Examines elements of the interface between language, culture, and…

Harry Stack Sullivan maintained that competition between friends in early adolescence would generally destroy their friendship. Working with early adolescent samples in Canada, Costa Rica, and Cuba, we found that hypercompetitiveness--a form of competition involving the need to prove one?s own superiority--was linked with conflict between friends,…

Discusses Lesley Beake's novel "Song of Be," a novel set in Namibia that focuses on the life of Be, an adolescent girl who is dealing with abandonment, reconciliation, and personal and cultural identity. Notes that the book presents a culture very different from that of young American readers but recounts growth and development which is…

The paper, originally given at a 1986 Ethnic and Multicultural Symposium, looks at ways to enhance the involvement of black parents of handicapped adolescents in their educational program. Cultural, social, and economic considerations unique to black families are considered. Improved communication, greater utilization of resources within the black…

Appalachians are not necessarily culturally deprived. Rather, they have a culture of their own--different from the mythical middle-America culture. This culture must be understood by teachers working with the "ghetto hillbilly" in order to respond to the needs of an individual child in a society within a society. (Author/KC)

The challenge for all urban administrators, with support from the community, is motivating urban students. Administrators must not try to treat everyone alike but must help teachers and counselors identify students' strengths and weaknesses, establish realistic goals and objectives, and guide students through adolescent development. Writers in…

Examines the meaning, from the perspective of a publisher of young adult fiction, of the term "multicultural." Defines three distinct kinds of multiculturalism. Describes a multiculturalism bent on freeing the many voices of the reader. (HB)

Examines interplay between theory, research, and application in treatment of clinical problems in context of psychotherapy research program for Hispanic behavior problem youth and families. Discusses findings in structural family therapy, measurement of family and child psychodynamic functioning, development of culturally appropriate…